Legals for December, 27 2023

Major federal grant awarded for I-90 repairs

This past summer, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester wrote a letter of support for I-90 repair and bridge funding in Western Montana.

Sheriff Funke recaps first year on the job

Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke was a keynote speaker at the Mineral County Central Republican Committee meeting last week.

Mysterious morel mushrooms at center of food poisoning outbreak

A food poisoning outbreak that killed two people and sickened 51, stemming from a Montana restaurant, has highlighted just how little is known about morel mushrooms and the risks in preparing the popular and expensive delicacy.

Founder of Salish Kootenai College remembered for contributions to community

Many flags across the Flathead Reservation are flying at half-mast this week in honor of Dr. Joe McDonald, a visionary educator and tribal leader who died last Thursday, Dec. 14. The founder of Salish Kootenai College was 92.

What’s next in the push to restore southern Montana’s passenger rail service

Last week the Federal Railroad Administration announced that it awarded a $500,000 grant to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to explore the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service along the North Coast Hiawatha route, which passed through many of Montana’s largest cities along its Chicago-to-Seattle route before the service was scrapped four decades ago.

A way to address high property taxes

I just read the editorial “Lets end the property tax blame game” by Kendall Cotton in which he begins by blaming local governments for property tax increases, echoing Gov. Greg Gianforte’s attack on greedy county governments.

The 12 days of Christmas, legislative edition

We’re all familiar with the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In recognition of the holiday season, I’d like to share some of the good work your state lawmakers accomplished in the legislative session at the beginning of the year, in a shortened format of the song.

Columbia River settlement threatens Montana's economic stability

At the Montana Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply concerned by recent developments in federal energy policies that threaten our state’s power supply and economic vitality.

St. Regis outlasts Hot Springs in clash of top teams

It was a clash of top area boys basketball teams.

Commissioners find savings by taking on new duties

When Dawn Terrill left her position as commissioner assistant and human resource director with Mineral County last year after her appointment as a county commissioner upon Laurie Johnston’s retirement, those hired for the position have not stayed.

Public Law 280: The path forward

“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday.

Deadline extended for migratory bird stamp art contest

The deadline for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks new Migratory Bird Stamp art contest is now Jan. 31. The Wetlands Protection Advisory Council will select the winning piece of art in February. The winning artist will receive a $2,000 cash prize and be featured on promotional materials throughout 2024.

Local wrestlers impress at big meets

Montana has some really good wrestlers. No doubt about it. And it’s not just in the Class AA and A schools, there are some outstanding wrestlers in the B and C categories also.

Legals for December, 20 2023

Sheriff's Office reports recent drug busts

Efforts by the Mineral County Sheriff's Office to take a bite out drug trafficking in the region have made recent strides, according to Sheriff Ryan Funke.

Federal grant to fund passenger rail service planning project

“We just crossed a major hurdle in our work to restore passenger rail service to southern Montana when we learned of our inclusion in the Corridor ID Program,” smiled Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority chair Dave Strohmaier.

Plains Council mulls Harvest Church construction project

The Plains Town Council meeting last week was standing room only for the 23 attendees in support of Harvest Church’s construction project.

Flag retirement takes place at VFW Auxiliary

A day that will be remembered and was made famous by President Roosevelt’s iconic speech, “YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

Jan Delmont Carter, 84

Three weeks shy of his 60th wedding anniversary, Jan Delmont Carter passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Dec. 7, 2023.